'Racist' decision bans Chinese students from running in university election

International students make up 62 per cent of the campus population at Monash Caulfield but the student council has banned them from contesting elections, in a move to stop Chinese candidates seizing control.

International students have been blocked in their attempt to win control of one of Victoria's most prestigious university's student bodies.

A candidate on the international student ticket and president of the university's Chinese association attacked the ban and accused the student union's leadership of disadvantaging Chinese student groups.

Alex Wang, the peak student union's international student officer.

"There should be some international students in the union to have our voices heard."

Monash Caulfield student union president Anthony Eid.

National Union of Students international student officer Alex Wang said the move was an "affront to the democratic process".

The student union is funded by a mandatory yearly payment of about $300 made by full-time students. It controls a budget of more than $1 million, and provides students with services and cultural activities.

In recent months, clashes have occurred at Australian universities between pro-democracy protesters and Chinese students loyal to the Chinese government over the issue of Hong Kong's independence.

The ruling was passed on September 2 by the incumbent leadership, called Forward, only hours before nominations for the election closed, giving the international student ticket no time to reorganise its nominations.

Finish what ever they study and go back to the communist they belong to I'm Chinese. And that's not racist. That is a correct decision to protect our way of life and pre democracy. Right now we have too much Chinese communist influence in this country already. So we don't need these Chinese communist sons and daughters to have a say in this country.

Probably reversing a previous (unwise), change. They should also move to stop compulsory contribution to student council Isn't it enough they get passed without completing any of the course work? Surely they can't run the councils as well You shouldn’t take their monies as well! Chinese influence in our universities must be reined in!

Oooh most Australians are most gullible people. China will own this country in a couple if years. Go to Sydney city its already owned and they are taking your man and land but you still let more in haha. Good Australian university council positions should only be for Australian citizens. Why on earth would we allow any foreign students run our institution?

Taxation (FEES) without Representation

'Racist' decision bans Chinese students from running in university electionInternational students have been blocked in their attempt to win control of one of Victoria's most prestigious university's student bodies. Seems fair enough. .911CORLEBRA777 'racist' IMO it is not racist. If you are born in Australia; are of Asian descent and have no allegiance and connection to any Chinese-Asian backed political group, you have a right to contest the student election.

This is a tough one do non residents have the right to dictate how our Unis run. Is this really a big issue in universities? Do NOT let the students from China (Not HK) play the 'this Racism' card. I've lived in Beijing and over there they don't let any foreigner participate in any council or anything like that. So NO TO THEM CONTROLLING ANY COUNCIL EVER

Yup, that cover picture is definitely melb uni.... you sure your article is accurate? If the situation was reversed with English speaking students at a Chinese University, how would the Chinese government view this? In an alternative universe where the Chinese would allow foreign students entry without a thorough command of the Chinese language

The issue isn’t representation of elections, the issue is representation of Australian students getting treated like leeches while international money bag students are treated like Unicorns. You think ‘pay for play’ scandal in the US is bad? Try China and Monash et al. If the students are Australian citizens they should have a say in which direction our universities should be heading. .if not.. then it must be accepted by the mere residents. .

Maybe they should introduce quotas so there is equal representation across domestic and international, rather than having one group control it.... This should be rolled out across all schools and universities cannot have CCP influence here in aus

England cricket condemns racist, sexist Ashes chants'The ECB is extremely disturbed to hear that a report was made regarding anti-social behaviour from a group of spectators.' 9WWOS Ashes Hang on, wait whaaaaat, anti-social behaviour from the pommy crowd, noooooooooo.......🥴 They are some of the rudest ‘fans’ I have ever heard, and I’ve been to a shiteload of sporting grounds around the world. What a load of b/s trying to deflect from their embarrassing loss.. the person asked to see his passport big deal.. you lot give it but can’t take it.. make up another song about an Australian it’ll be okay.. us convicts can take it.. What a bunch of hypocritical poofter

Non citizen? then no say... It’s not racist it’s sensible. Messy....but I must question why Monash sold off 62% of its places to foreign students in the first place. Meanwhile Australians miss out Good. An influx of international students there has already dropped the academic standard to the detriment of local students - speaking from recent experience returning to study

Donald Trump would be proud. Oz universities lean heavily to the left, yet they don't want to include their comrades? 🤔 Why does the student council have an issue with Chinese candidates? Sounds discriminatory, as well as authoritarian. Surely all students should have an equal say at their university.

Interesting how these students are getting degrees in Australian Universities when they don’t speak English. Gotta love an essay put through google translate. Racism start from school. The more worrying fact is not the ban, but the fact that 62% of sudents are not australian. That needs fixing

Clover Moore orders overhaul of 'racist' council regalia following exposureSydney lord mayor Clover Moore says she could not erase history but the City's official chains should be redesigned | michaelkoziol michaelkoziol What a lot of rot? Redesigning should always start at home not at ones workplace without in this instance that is obviously funded by the Ratepayers a clear majority of all in favor is that right? michaelkoziol Maybe since it's 2019, the whole idea of 'mayoral chains' and 'regalia' should be retired.

Good. Keep it that way. Put it in the university charter. GOOD! Good! If gladysliu on Sky News is anything to go by, any Chinese control of the student council would descend into an absolutely embarrassing and impractical farce. Hang on. Isn’t this racist? They have been banging the victim gong for so long now it’s hilarious they swap directions when their power is threatened.

Why don't we just let the Chinese Communist party come in and control every university? (Some would argue they already do) Makes me wonder if anyone at the Age has an ounce of intelligence. Good interesting but that photo is of unimelb....

'Racist' decision bans Chinese students from running in university electionInternational students have been blocked in their attempt to win control of one of Victoria's most prestigious university's student bodies. Seems fair enough. .911CORLEBRA777 'racist' IMO it is not racist. If you are born in Australia; are of Asian descent and have no allegiance and connection to any Chinese-Asian backed political group, you have a right to contest the student election.

International students rise to half of Australia's master's enrolmentsInternational students at Australian universities make up nearly half of all master's enrolments and one-third of doctoral candidates, making the country's higher-degree programs disproportionately dependent on the foreign market. pallavisinghal_ Say no to china and CCP pallavisinghal_ No more from china pallavisinghal_ We export our knowledge Then import the knowledge to fill jobs Something wrong here

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